'Everyone deserves to feel special on prom night'

A charity set up in memory of a 14-year-old girl who took her own life is offering help to families struggling with the cost of school proms.

Next summer would have seen Sadie Reed finish her last year at Maryport's Netherhall School and attend her prom.

The foundation bearing her name, launched by her family to support west Cumbrian youngsters affected by mental health issues, has raised about £30,000 over the last 18 months and now wants to provide support towards items such as dresses, suits, hair and make-up.

Sadie's sister Beth Harrison, 33, said "every person deserves to feel special" at their prom.

She said: "Prom night a big thing for everyone now as it marks the end of school.

"We thought we're not going to get that this time because Sadie's not here, so what can we do to give us a focus?

"We know it can be expensive for people. You're looking sometimes at £500 for a dress and then everything else on top.

"Everyone's going to have different needs, but we want to help both boys and girls."

Beth said the charity had been contacted by several people looking to donate items from recent events, while beauty businesses have also offered their services.

"We just want everyone to get the chance to go to a prom," she said.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story, help and support is available at BBC Action Line.

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